Chendebji Chorten
Visiting these iconic locations offers a unique look into the spiritual and natural heart of the country
Short intro about
Chendebji Chorten
Chendebji Chorten – En route to Trongsa is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake. The Chendebji chorten was built in order to subdue Ngala dudm, the dreaded demoness of the Chendibji area, and bring peace to the valley. The relics inside the chorten were all provided by the Bemji Choeji. The skull of the second Gangtey Trulku Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup was also put inside the chorten as a relic.
According to the second Gangtey Trulku, Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup (1645–1726), the Chendebji stupa was constructed by Lama Ngesup Tshering Wangchuk, a descendant of the Bemji Choeje lineage in Trongsa, whose ancestor is believed to have been the Tibetan King Trisong Detsen. Lama Tshering Wangchuk brought a model of the stupa from Nepal, which is still preserved at Gangtey Gonpa in Wangdue district. The Chendebji chorten was built to subdue Nyala Deum, the dreaded demoness of the area, and to bring peace to the valley, with relics provided by the Bemji Choeje.
Among these relics is the skull of the second Gangtey Trulku himself. Local lore recounts the tragic fate of Garb Lungi Khorlo, a swift messenger known for running daily between Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang, who lost his life to the demoness. On one journey, he encountered a mysterious woman washing intestines, who revealed they were from an ox—the very animal of his birth year. Stricken with dread, he questioned his endless errands, and at that moment, Nyala Deum seized his life force.
To this day, it is believed that one should never harbor negative thoughts while passing through Chendebji. Nyala Deum’s citadel lies about fifteen minutes from the stupa, marked by unusual forest growth, and the surrounding localities—Sephu, Chendebji, Rukubji, Tangsibji, and Aloo Bar—continue to worship her as their protector. At Aloo Bari, the stream and imprints where she washed the intestines of Garb Lungi Khorlo remain visible, serving as a haunting reminder of the legend.
– Welcome to Chendeji Chorten/ Stupa .
– It is an elevation of 2400 m /7726.4 ft meters approximately above the sea level.
– It geographically stands at 27 degree towards the Northern Hemisphere 89 degree towards Eastern Himalayan.
– The Nepali style stupa was built by Lama Ngesup Wangchuk in 18th century.
1. We are lucky to take pictures from outside Stupa.
2. Please always walk clock wise direction.
3. If you want to use washroom, please let me know, I will assist you.
4. Please watch your steps/ Mind your head.
– Besides the Nepali style stupa, A traditional Bhutanese chorten was built by the Royal Grand-Mother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 1982.
– A large prayer-wall (mani-wall) can also be seen beside the main chorten which is said to have been built by Gongar Ugyen Wangchuck in 1905 to landmark the main east-west highway.
– Chendebji chorten Drub (Concretion Ceremony) On 10th day of second month of Bhutanese calendar till 15th day of second month presided over by present Gangtay Trulku
The same area provides an opportunity to observe Nepali style Stupa (with eyes looking in four directions), Bhutanese style Stupa and mani Danggrim built to the demoness of the area.